Talking therapies can reduce pain and disability among people with lower back pain, a new study suggests.

Academics found the benefits can be seen for up to three years after treatment.

Psychotherapists use various talking therapies to help people to overcome stress, emotional and relationship problems or troublesome habits.

For some, lower back pain will be a single incident which recovers on its own but most people with the condition will suffer long-term problems with unpredictable flare-ups.

Most treatments for the condition have “small to moderate” effects that do not last for a long period of time, experts said.